Page 41 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

Londyn's response is quieter, but I think she says, "I enjoyed dinner, but I should get home."

Her date straightens his already-too-tight jacket. "Please, let me walk you home so I know you get there safely."

That's either his smooth attempt for something more, or he's genuinely chivalrous.

There's a hesitation in Londyn's posture—a fraction of a second where she grimaces and considers refusing—before she nods. "Sure, okay. Thanks."

My stomach sinks like a stone thrown into endlessly deep water. Damn. This wasn't the plan. She told us she'd say goodbye at the restaurant and head straight back to the apartment alone.

What if she's changed her mind? What if she invites him up?

I hadn't considered this possibility, and the thought sends an acidic burn through my chest, all that cheese and those olives coming back up. I want her to have a nice evening, sure. But notthatnice. The idea of this guy in her apartment, in her bedroom, helping her slip out of that dress…

I make fists at my side and glare at the window sneakers. Now the employee is looking worried.

Jesus, what kind of asshole am I? It's none of my business how Londyn chooses to spend her evening. I'm here to watch out for a stalker, not police her personal life. If she wants company, that's her choice. That's her right. And she has a panic button on her phone. She knows we're right across the hall and will hear her scream if she needs help.

Still, the thought of lying awake all night knowing a guy is in her apartment gives me brain static.

This is definitely not like me at all.

I keep my distance as they start walking. Londyn's heels click against the sidewalk. They're six feet apart, and she's the one maintaining that gap. Good sign, maybe. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it because I want to.

"Sean," Mike's voice cuts through my brooding. "Guy in a navy baseball cap, west side of the street. He's been eyeing them since they left."

I scan the pedestrians, quickly spotting him. He's an average height, shoulders hunched forward, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets. It's strange because it's a little warm for a jacket. He's walking the same direction as Londyn and Marcus, but at a pace that feels deliberately measured. Not moving to close the distance, but not letting it increase either.

My muscles tense as I realize how much I drifted off target. I was so focused on Londyn and her date that I didn't notice Navy Cap. Mike's right: the guy looks sketchy.

And I didn't notice.

I cross the street at the next intersection, falling into a natural gait that keeps me behind Navy Cap. My senses heighten, paying attention to the details: the slight bulge in his right pocket (phone? weapon?), the way he keeps his head angled down but eyes up, the deliberate casualness in his gait.

Could be nothing. Could be another guy struck stupid by Londyn in that dress. Or could be someone who's been waiting for an opportunity.

It could be that my fears are coming true; if Mike hadn't been here actually paying attention, this guy could've made a move on Londyn, and it would've been my fuck-up that caused it.

I'm so focused on Navy Cap that I almost miss the moment Londyn stops walking. She and Marcus have paused in front of a building with a neat row of potted plants along the steps. It's nowhere near her actual apartment.

"This is me," she says cheerfully, her voice carrying just enough for me to catch it.

I smirk. She's ditching him by using a fake address.

Smart woman.

The relief that floods me at the cellular level is so immediate, so intense, it's almost embarrassing, but I can't forget about Navy Cap.

"Keep an eye on our guy," I tell Mike. "I'm staying with Londyn until this resolves." I won't risk leaving her alone; her safety is my top priority.

"Rodger," Mike says.

I cross the street and then hang back, blending into the shade of a storefront as her date looks at the building with obvious disappointment. I'm close enough to hear them clearly and take action if needed.

Something about the guy rubs me the wrong way.

"I had a nice time," Londyn says, her tone polite but final. "Thanks so much for dinner."

He steps closer, crowding her space. "Let me walk you inside."

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